IF I were a cloud in heaven, br I would hang over thee; br If I were a star of even, br I ’d rise and set for thee; br For love, life, light, were given br Thy ministers to be. br br If I were a wind’s low laughter, br I ’d kiss thy hair; br Or a sunbeam coming after, br Lie on thy forehead fair; br For the world and its wide hereafter br Have nought with thee to compare. br br If I were a fountain leaping, br Thy name should be br The burden of my sweet weeping; br If I were a bee, br My honeyed treasures keeping, br ’T were all for thee! br br There ’s never a tided ocean br Without a shore; br Nor a leaf whose downward motion br No dews deplore; br And I dream that my devotion br May move thee to sigh once more.